A Good Mom Starts with a Good Woman

“When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself.”

– – – – Nancy Friday

As a psychologist, I encounter a lot of women going through the phase in life known as “Empty Nest.” When children grow older, and leave to live as adults, I believe that every mother experiences ‘loss’ in some way. So, as young mothers embark on their journey, I believe the key to surviving this life change is nurturing one’s self, as an individual, as well as a mother.

How would you describe yourself? How long would your list of traits be? Motherhood is a gift that comes with a lot of responsibility and joy. However, it is a new piece to the puzzle that already exists. It should not replace you, as a woman, but enhance the woman you already are. It can be easy to get wrapped up in your kids, and forget about yourself, but try to remember that children learn so much from a mom who can share a variety of interests with them.

We all have heard the phrase “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. Many mothers teach their children this lesson by getting them involved in many different things. Even colleges now look for the most “well-rounded” applicant versus their grade-point average. However, as women enter motherhood, they forget to apply this philosophy to themselves. Yes, the age old concept of “Do as I say, not as I do”. Well we all know that secret – it doesn’t work.